My LeSean McCoy Blog

We got the chance to interview Scott from InsideTheIggles.com this week. Scott answered a variety of different questions we threw at him. We'd like to thank Scott for his participation and look forward to collaborating with InsideTheIggles.com again in the future.

Enjoy!

BirdsFan: Record wise, is this where you thought the Eagles would stand entering the bye week?

InsideTheIggles: I was pretty sure they would lose to either the Panthers or Saints. Even though I predicted they would beat the Saints, I didn't feel good about that game. The fact that they got hammered was disappointing, but not surprising. 2-1 sounds about right.

BF: A lot of key players have been injured this season. Does any status of a particular player concern you?

ITI: McNabb. I've had the misfortune of having a cracked rib. They can linger for a couple months and I never had maniac linebackers and defensive ends trying to crush me once a week. This is why Kolb's performance is so important. I think a lot of fans assume Don will be back against Tampa. I'm sure he wants to be out there, but his rib may have other ideas.

BF: At this point, who are your offensive and defensive MVPs?

ITI: On offense, it has to be Brent Celek. I had high hopes for him after the way he finished last season, but I had no idea he would be this good. Third in the NFL with 22 catches. Not sure he'll continue this kind of production, but he's off to a great start. On defense, I'm going with Brodrick Bunkley. He doesn't show up in the stat sheets with sacks, but he is an absolute monster inside. He made life very difficult for both DeAngelo Williams and Larry Johnson.

BF: What area would you like to see the Eagles improve upon most?

ITI: Surprise, the run blocking. I'm sure the revolving door that is the offensive line has something to do with their inconsistent play, but guys like Max and Nick Cole aren't impressing me. Maybe when/if Herremans and Stacy get healthy, they can open up some holes.

BF: We were able to see the regular season debut of Michael Vick last week. Do you see him and Donovan McNabb having a healthy relationship? And do you think Vick will make significant contributions to the team this season?

ITI: The media likes to paint McNabb and Vick as being potential enemies. That's nonsense. Vick is no threat to Don's job. Guys with big egos can clash, but I don't see that happening here. As for Vick's contributions, he's got a ways to go. He still isn't close to full speed. I think after a few more games he'll start to make an impact; however, I'm still not sure 10-15 snaps per game will do much for the offense. Reid has yet to figure out Vick's exact role. Until he does, all we can do is wonder.

BF: The Eagles don't have a division game until Week Seven of the season where they will play all three division rivals in the span of three weeks. Which team(s) do you see providing the Eagles the most trouble?

ITI: Giants. Apparently, they found themselves some receivers. They have the most balanced team and are itching for payback after last season.

BF: The depth on the Eagles offense has been remarkable. Players like Winston Justice, Kevin Kolb, and LeSean McCoy have all filled in when asked to and played great football. Do you attribute this to drafting, coaching, or something else?

ITI: I think the Eagles brain trust is one of the best in the NFL. They draft well and do an excellent job coaching these guys up. Twenty of twenty-two starters last Sunday were either drafted players or undrafted free agents. Take Justice for example. They could have dumped him a year ago, but Reid and Juan Castillo kept pushing him. Now he might be the Eagles best lineman through three games.

BF: The addition of Jeremiah Trotter, do you view this as them adding leadership to the team or actually trying to add depth to the MLB position?

ITI: I think the leadership thing is extremely overrated. If they cared about leadership, Dawk would still be in town. In my opinion, Trotter was brought in because he knows the system and weighs 260 pounds. With Bradley out, they need a physical, attacking MIKE backer. Trotter fits the description. Whether he actually has anything left remains to be seen.

BF: Now that we have seen Kolb play, what are you impressions of his overall performance and do you think the Eagles try to move him in the offseason for a draft pick?

ITI: Hell, no. Kolb is the future, like it or not. Vick will be the guy that gets moved. In fact, I would anticipate Kolb getting an extension at some point in the next twelve months. He runs the offense effectively and can make all the throws. He still needs to fine tune his skills, but I think he's a keeper.

BF: With Brian Westbrook being hurt again, do you see him playing a more limited role due to how well LeSean McCoy has played so far?

ITI: It pains me to write this, but I think Westy is about done. He couldn't even make it through two full games without getting his ankle dinged. The cumulative effect of all his injuries has taken its toll. They drafted Shady to be the next in line. I'm sure they hoped that would be a year from now, but McCoy is too talented to keep on the sideline. His blitz pickup versus the Chiefs was solid.

BF: You've been able to see the team play three games. Can you give me a prediction on how you think the Eagles final record will look?

ITI: I will stick with my preseason prediction of 11-5. That might not be good enough to win the division, but I still say this is a playoff team.

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